A sample of inspiring passages from the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon relates more than just the history of the aboriginal people in North America. It also offers insights into how and why civilizations prosper and collapse.
It even describes an ideal society in which there were no rich or poor people; instead, everyone shared alike. Most people today seek such a society but lose hope that it could ever be achived.
How could we achieve a society such as that today?
The Book of Mormon tells us.
Not as theory. Not as philosophy. But as the lessons from two great, actual civilizations that prospered and fell, as well as a third civilization that achieved the point where "They had all things common among them."
See the entire text of the original 1830 edition, with the edits made by Joseph Smith in 1837 and 1840.
Evidence of God
. . All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.
Alma 30:44 [LDS]
Alma 16:54-55 [RLDS]
Equality
And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.
4 Nephi 1:3 [LDS]
4 Nephi 1:4 [RLDS]
Prosperity
But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before him.
Alma 62:49 [LDS]
Alma 29:59 [RLDS]
Social Justice
And it was because of the pride of their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, yea, it was because of their oppression to the poor, withholding their food from the hungry, withholding their clothing from the naked, and smiting their humble brethren upon the cheek, making a mock of that which was sacred, denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation, murdering, plundering, lying, stealing, committing adultery, rising up in great contentions...
Helaman 4:12 [LDS]
Helaman 2:45 [RLDS]
He Shall Prepare a Way
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
I Nephi 3:7 [LDS]
I Nephi 1:65 [RLDS]
Steadfast in Christ
Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
2 Nephi 31:20 [LDS]
2 Nephi 13:29,30 [RLDS]
Happiness
And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.
Mosiah 2:41 [LDS]
Mosiah 1:88,89 [RLDS]
Strength
Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
Alma 26:12 [LDS]
Alma 14:92 [RLDS]
Faith
Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed . . . it will begin to swell within your breasts . . . And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.
Alma 32:28-30 [LDS]
Alma 16:152-156 [RLDS]